State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, was selected by the Marcellus Shale Coalition as the recipient of the “Shale Gas Advocate Award” during the coalition’s 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony Tuesday.

According to a news release, the Shale Gas Advocate Award honors coalition members and other individuals for their outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions in advocating for the development, transportation, and use of Pennsylvania’s natural gas resources.

“The Marcellus Shale industry has been a great partner in ensuring consumers have access to the affordable, reliable energy they depend on, along with creating new jobs and economic opportunities at a time when many households are struggling,” Yaw said, according to the news release. “As a legislator, I take very seriously my role in advancing measures that I believe will unleash Pennsylvania’s energy potential while improving our environment and protecting it for future generations. I am thankful to the MSC for this wonderful recognition.”

Yaw, chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, was instrumental in helping create legislation establishing the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee. Since its inception, the news release said, the impact fee has generated more than $2.5 billion in tax revenue to support county and local governments and fund critical economic development and environmental projects.

Yaw has also had measures enacted into law that help expand access to natural gas service for underserved and unserved households, as well as reduce surface impacts from unconventional gas wells.

Working with former Gov. Ed Rendell and fellow legislators, Yaw also worked to expand housing opportunities in Pennsylvania thanks in large part to impact fees collected from natural gas companies.

Yaw also continues his ongoing work related to responsible energy development and protecting the reliability of the PJM electric grid.

“Sen. Yaw has been a steadfast advocate for developing Pennsylvania’s natural resources in a safe and responsible manner,” Dave Callahan, coalition president, said, according to the news release. “In doing so, he has advanced the interests of his constituents and communities, who benefit from shale gas development, while helping Pennsylvania achieve historic improvements in its environmental, conservation and energy security efforts. All Pennsylvanians who support affordable, clean, and domestic energy development — along with a safe and reliable energy grid — owe Senator Yaw an immense debt of gratitude.”